IAN DOWNUNDER VS. THAT’S NOT MY FACE

Ian looks in the mirror of Amanda Ruzsca’s That’s Not My Face and decides he’s not emotionally prepared for whatever’s staring back.

TITLE: That’s Not My Face

AUTHOR: Amanda Ruzsa

GENRE: Horror

PAGES: 84

FORMAT: eBook

PRICE: eBook TBA, Paperback TBA

RELEASE DATE: 4th July

G’day all, it’s your ARC reader here from the land of expensive postage — both to and from — Australia. Hope you’re all keeping well and enjoying the sun if you’re lucky enough to be in a country that has some while we shiver to death. Anyway, this week I’m reflecting on mirrors and how sometimes they reveal a face that’s not yours in Amanda Ruzsa’s That’s Not My Face.

First off, hands up if you’ve ever tried to summon Bloody Mary. How many of you have watched The Ring? If you’ve done either (or both), chances are you’ll love That’s Not My Face. It’s heavily influenced by both — in fact, the author herself tells of her love for the legend of Bloody Mary in the introduction — and let me tell you, that influence pays off. This is a creepy tale that may well give you nightmares.

The story follows a girl called April who has, since childhood, been haunted by a reflection she’s sure isn’t her own. It’s a fear that bleeds into reality, where she’s convinced that her face unsettles people to the point where they look away or grow uncomfortable around her. Her mother takes her to a psychologist, and the pills they prescribe eventually calm down her symptoms. Now, as an adult, April finds the fear returning with a vengeance as she once more faces the thing in the mirror as reality crumbles around her. One moment a reflective surface will show something that isn’t her; the next it just shows a regular reflection. As its power grows stronger, the thing in the mirror urges her to let it in, manifesting in increasingly physical ways as her mental health spirals. Is this thing real, or is it a trick of her tortured mind?

The story cleverly weaves in mental health and past trauma with the supernatural — perceived or otherwise — to create an unsettling atmosphere. It’s oozing with creepiness, especially in the descriptive scenes of the thing in the mirror, which evoke definite Samara from The Ring vibes.

For those who struggle with psychosis, hallucinations, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or religious distress, or have in the past, this one does warn you to tread lightly. But if you’re okay with those themes, this book may just have you checking your mirrors, giving whatever’s in there a very suspicious side-eye.

I give this one 4.4 suss looking reflections out of 5.

Ian Gielen is a writer of all things spooky and a horror fanatic. Ian embraces his inner geek with pride, his dedication on display in the intimidating collection of horror novels and video games that threaten to take over his living space. He is mad for all things Alien, Star Wars, and cats; his furry companions are always there to keep him company as he scribbles down his latest ideas. With the sheer number of furry and human companions in his life, it’s a wonder he isn’t a little crazier than he already is.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing, nor do the views or opinions of Crystal Lake necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or its staff. Thank you for understanding.